MONTPELIER — The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife says hunters contribute $292 million to the state’s economy every year.

The state says a survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Census Bureau determined that hunters spend $39 million on travel, $190 million on equipment and $62 million on other items.

Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry says hunting is also especially important because much of it occurs after foliage season and before skiing and the spending takes place throughout the state, including in the state’s most rural areas.

In 2012, more than 74,000 people purchased Vermont hunting licenses, including about 64,600 residents and 9,400 nonresidents.